ABSTRACT
An essential element in the master’s research design process is the research proposal. The proposal outlines the Who? What? Where? and How? of a research project. This can be used as a blueprint for the project itself. Research proposals are often assessed and provide an excellent opportunity for feedback on the research design and the practicability of the project. This chapter focuses on the typical sections in a research proposal and what these should contain; for example, title, rationale, background, methodology, timetable and references. A checklist is included which can be used to ensure these sections are addressed. It is in this chapter that research questions are addressed. There are three main types of research questions: descriptive, relational and causal. Each is discussed and examples are provided. Advice is also provided for summarising, in tabular form, research questions, research methods and analyses.
